FRANCIS DELAMARE (1895-1972) FOLIES BERGÈRE / LE GRAND MOGOL. 1916. 33 1/8x24 1/4 inches, 85x62 cm. The American Printing Press. Condition B+: repaired tears in margins; restoration along vertical and horizontal folds; restored loss in left margin. Written by the accomplished Edmond Audran, La Grand Mogul was an operetta that premiered in Marseilles (Audran's hometown) in 1877, and went on to further performances in Paris and London. The story revolves around a Mughal Prince who must remain chaste in order to ascend to the throne. He avoids the temptations dangled in front of him by the Grand Vizier and a conniving princess, and once crowned he is rewarded with the hand of a beautiful snake charmer named Irma. Delamare depicts the snake dancer, clad in sumptuous jewels and dancing against a shadow of a serpent with an apple in its mouth. It is an enticing composition that cleverly conveys the show's main themes; beauty, exoticism and temptation. Delamare went on to become a prominent Belgian artist and designed several other posters. This is likely his first poster.
